Manager, Benefits Navigation, Health Equity

Position Title: Manager, Benefits Navigation , Health Equity (Fixed Term)

Reports to: Director, 1115 Medicaid Waiver Initiative, Health Equity

Department: Health Equity

Organization Summary:

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Position Overview:

The Manager, Technical Assistance, will support a portfolio of community-based organizations (CBOs) participating in the SOMOS Community Care Social Care Network (SCN) under New York State's 1115 Medicaid Waiver, as well as partners participating in United Way of New York City's Community Benefits Resiliency Network (CBRN). Reporting to the Director, 1115 Medicaid Waiver Initiative, this role will lead capacity-building and technical assistance efforts designed to strengthen CBO performance across social determinants of health (SDOH) screening, health and benefits navigation, referral management, Medicaid reimbursement readiness, and service integration.

The Manager will implement a targeted capacity-building strategy that includes organizational assessments, train-the-trainer workshops, hands-on coaching, performance improvement support, and peer learning opportunities. Through this work, the Manager will help CBOs strengthen screening and navigation workflows, integrate tools such as FindHelp and UNO into service delivery, improve documentation and referral tracking practices, and build readiness for Medicaid reimbursement and participation within the Social Care Network model.

The Manager will also play a key role in preparing CBOs and the communities they serve for anticipated Medicaid and SNAP policy changes, including work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, enrollment, and recertification processes. Working across both the SOMOS 1115 Waiver Initiative and UWNYC's Community Benefits Resiliency Initiative, the Manager will support partner organizations in preventing avoidable coverage loss, expanding access to public benefits and health-related social services, and ensuring continuity of care for vulnerable New Yorkers.

This position is grant-funded through March 31, 2027.

Primary Responsibilities:

Capacity Building, Training, and Technical Assistance

• Conduct structured organizational assessments to identify gaps in screening, navigation, referral management, billing readiness, and operational workflows across participating CBOs.
• Research and remain current on Social Care Network (SCN) requirements, 1115 Medicaid Waiver implementation guidance, reimbursement models, and emerging federal and state policy changes impacting Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
• Develop and deliver train-the-trainer curricula, technical assistance tools, and implementation resources focused on:
  • SDOH screening and navigation
  • Benefits eligibility, enrollment, and recertification
  • Closed-loop referral management
  • Medicaid reimbursement readiness and documentation requirements
  • SNAP and Medicaid work requirement implementation
• Provide hands-on technical assistance through 1:1 coaching, site visits, office hours, and small-group trainings to support real-time implementation and workflow improvement.
• Support CBOs in designing and standardizing screening, navigation, documentation, referral, and follow-up workflows that align with Social Care Network requirements.
• Provide technical assistance on the effective use of platforms such as FindHelp, UNO, and other referral or care coordination systems to improve service delivery and tracking of outcomes.
• Support CBOs in strengthening documentation, data collection, and workflow alignment necessary to support Medicaid reimbursement and future claims submission.
• Facilitate billing readiness workshops, peer learning sessions, and troubleshooting support related to reimbursement processes and operational requirements.
• Guide partner organizations in effectively utilizing capacity-building resources, including staffing, technology, training, and operational supports.
• Support onboarding and engagement of new CBO partners, ensuring readiness to participate in screening, navigation, referral, and reimbursement activities.
• Collaborate with UWNYC's Health Equity, Food Benefits Access, Public Policy, and Community Engagement teams to align implementation strategies and identify opportunities to strengthen benefits access and community-based service delivery.

Policy Readiness and Community Benefits Resiliency

• Support implementation of UWNYC's Community Benefits Resiliency Initiative, helping community partners prepare for anticipated Medicaid and SNAP policy changes and work requirements.
• Translate complex federal and state policy developments into practical guidance, tools, and training materials for frontline staff and community-based organizations.
• Support outreach and education efforts designed to prevent avoidable coverage loss and improve beneficiary awareness of enrollment, recertification, and compliance requirements.
• Assist with planning and facilitation of stakeholder convenings, trainings, and learning collaboratives focused on benefits access, policy implementation, and community readiness.

Partnership Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with CBO partners, serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner on operational readiness, screening and navigation workflows, benefits access, and reimbursement readiness.
• Facilitate peer learning and communities of practice that promote shared learning, problem-solving, and dissemination of promising practices across participating organizations.
• Partner closely with SOMOS Community Care, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen coordination and advance project goals.
• Provide regular updates on partner progress, emerging challenges, technical assistance needs, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, social work, or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in community-based health, human services, or public sector programs or Master’s degree with a minimum of 2 years work experience; 5 years of experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with benefits navigation, Medicaid, and/or SNAP enrollment, recertification, or certified application counselor workflows strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting Medicaid reimbursement, value-based care, Social Care Networks, care coordination, community health worker programs, or health-related social needs initiatives strongly preferred.
• Experience delivering hands-on training and technical assistance to community-based organizations or frontline staff, with a focus on building practical, sustainable skills and workflows.
• Strong ability to translate complex policy changes (e.g., Medicaid waiver requirements, eligibility changes, work requirements) into clear, actionable guidance for implementation by frontline teams.
• Experience supporting service delivery integration, including incorporating benefits navigation into existing programs, case management systems, or referral platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government partners, and healthcare providers.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences – from frontline staff to senior stakeholders – in a clear, practical and culturally responsive manner.
• Strong project management and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize effectively, and drive progress in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Knowledge of health equity principles, social determinants of health, and the New York City social care landscape; familiarity with the 1115 Waiver and Social Care Networks preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with case management or referral platforms (e.g., FindHelp, UniteUs) a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the five boroughs to support on-site training and partner engagement.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Relationship Building and Collaboration
• Strong Analytical and Data Skills
• Evaluation Planning
• Effective & Engaging Communicator
• Network Oriented
• Cultural Competency

Additional Information:

• UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.

United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

Benefits & Perks

United Way of New York City offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to support you and your family
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future
• Paid Time Off – Up to 25 days annually , in addition to holidays
• Hybrid Work Schedule – Employees work in-office Tuesday through Thursday , with remote work on Mondays and Fridays
• Summer Fridays – Enjoy early closures on Fridays during the summer months
• Tuition Assistance – Financial support for continued education and career advancement
• Professional Development – Ongoing learning opportunities to support your growth and success
• Wellness & Gym Reimbursement – Support for your physical and mental well-being through eligible wellness and fitness expenses

How To Apply:

Please apply on our United Way of New York City career page.

No phone calls or faxes accepted.

United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer